# Kunwar Bara in Surguja crafts durable fishing nets from plastic sacks, keeping ancestral legacy alive > A resident in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district is keeping a unique rural tradition alive by handcrafting sturdy fishing nets from plastic sacks. Learned entirely by observing village elders, these durable nets catch substantial fish in a single attempt. **Type:** article · **Category:** Chhattisgarh · **Published:** 2026-08-31 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/saraguja-men-plastika-ki-bori-se-anokha-jala-bana-rahe-kunwar-bara-purakhon-ki-virasata-ko-rakha-rahe-jinda-24950 · **Language:** English **Tags:** Surguja news, Chhattisgarh tradition, traditional fishing net, Kunwar Bara, rural craftsmanship, Chhattisgarh updates In the rural pockets of Chhattisgarh's Surguja district, residents continue to rely on a resourceful and traditional method to catch fish from local rivers and ponds during the monsoon season. Locals craft specialized fishing nets utilizing discarded plastic sacks, a technique that successfully traps heavy and large fish in a single haul. Even amidst modern alternatives, traditional rural practices remain firmly rooted, with local artisans keeping this generational skill alive through dedicated craftsmanship. ## Crafting the net using plastic sack ropes Kunwar Bara, a local resident of the area, explained that he constructs these nets using threads and ropes extracted directly from plastic sacks. The procedure begins by pulling out individual threads from the sacks, spinning them together into sturdy ropes, and arranging them systematically with the help of wooden supports. As the process moves forward, the net gradually takes on its structured shape, resulting in a robust final product designed to withstand rigorous aquatic use. ## Takes six to seven months of meticulous labor Building this traditional fishing gear requires immense patience and sustained physical effort. According to Kunwar Bara, completing a single net takes approximately six to seven months of dedicated work. He has been continuously crafting these specialized nets for the past six to seven years. Compared to commercially manufactured factory nets available in local markets, this handmade plastic-sack variant proves to be significantly stronger and far more durable against rough river currents. ## Learning the craft from village elders rather than textbooks Kunwar Bara noted that he did not acquire this intricate skill through any formal training institution or textbook instruction. Instead, he mastered the art purely by observing village elders construct similar traditional nets during his earlier years. Watching the older generation meticulously assemble fishing gear allowed him to absorb the techniques naturally, eventually developing the proficiency to build the nets independently today. ## Effective even in waist-deep water conditions According to Kunwar Bara, the net is deployed by wading directly into water bodies to catch fish. The gear is cast and maneuvered through the water using specialized techniques to encircle and trap swimming fish within its folds. He points out that even when the water level rises up to the waist, this traditional net remains highly effective for catching fish without requiring complex modern equipment. ## Catching up to two kilograms of fish at once A notable feature of this handmade net is its structural capability to trap varying sizes of aquatic life. Kunwar Bara states that a single deployment can successfully secure around one to one-and-a-half kilograms, and occasionally up to two kilograms, of fish at a time. The mesh manages to secure smaller varieties alongside larger fish weighing up to a kilogram and a half. ## Prioritizing household consumption over commercial sale The catches secured through this traditional net are primarily reserved for domestic use rather than commercial trade. Kunwar Bara explains that instead of selling the catch in local markets, utilizing this method to supply fresh fish for family meals proves far more practical and rewarding for sustaining daily household needs. ## What this means for you This story covers a localized traditional rural skill and does not directly alter consumer prices, taxes, or widespread public policies. - **Across India:** It highlights the ingenuity of rural artisans who preserve indigenous methods to fulfill basic daily needs without relying on expensive commercial equipment. - **In Surguja:** Residents of the local region gain insight into sustaining ancestral craftsmanship and utilizing self-made tools for subsistence fishing during the monsoon season. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. Where is Kunwar Bara from? Kunwar Bara lives in a rural area of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh. ### 2. What material is used to make the fishing net? The net is constructed using threads and ropes extracted from discarded plastic sacks. ### 3. How long does it take to make one net? It takes approximately six to seven months to fully complete crafting this traditional net. ### 4. Where did Kunwar Bara learn this skill? He learned the craft by observing village elders rather than through any books or formal training. ### 5. How much fish can be caught with this net at one time? A single attempt can catch around one to one-and-a-half kilograms, and occasionally up to two kilograms, of fish. ### 6. What is the primary use of the fish caught with this net? The caught fish are primarily used for home consumption by the family rather than being sold in the market. ## Inspiration & Lessons The journey of Kunwar Bara demonstrates how dedication and keen observation can preserve valuable traditional skills without formal education or expensive resources. - **Learning through observation:** Complex skills can be mastered naturally by paying close attention to the experienced elders within one's community. - **Resourcefulness:** Everyday discarded items, such as plastic sacks, can be creatively transformed into durable and functional tools. - **Patience and dedication:** Crafting high-quality traditional items requires sustained physical effort and months of dedicated labor. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._